Cafe Younes - French Press

The number one study/meeting spot for every university student, hipster, or foreigner in town, Café Younes has some serious street cred. With a versatile (and gargantuan) menu and a very western Arab-esque vibe, the café has a selection of different coffees to choose from, each available as decaf or with added flavors. Despite the massive selection, the French press is always my go-to Younes coffee. At only 5,000 L.L., the press holds three cups worth of caffeinated goodness, guaranteed to keep you awake no matter how boring your history notes are.

Paul's - Americano

For those who say Beirut is the Paris of the Middle East, you’re half right. Paul’s is a quaint French café that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. With an excellently brewed Americano and a décor perfect for an outing with friends, family, or even a date, Paul’s is without doubt a must.

Dar Bistro and Books - Cinnamon Latte

Tucked away at the end of Hamra is one of the quaintest cafes in all of Beirut. Dar Bistro and Books offers comfortable and colorful seating, an unconventional menu and, even better, a book store in the back. The place to curl up in a nook with a good book, Dar Bistro’s cinnamon Latte will accent any rainy afternoon with the perfect hint of loveliness.

De Prague - American Coffee

Study spot/restaurant by day, pub by night. The batman of all pubs. De Prague, conveniently located on Makdessi street, is every student’s go-to study and chillax space. Serving perhaps the best plate of wedges in Beirut, De Prague also makes for a delicious and affordable lunch. It makes our top five coffees, though, for its fantastic American coffee. Brewed to perfection, De Prague’s coffee is one to dream about.

Gordon's Cafe - Cappuccino

Located in the heart of Downtown is an urban goldmine of delicious food, proper lounge music and a Chicago-esque atmosphere. The perfect place for a business meeting or just a casual gathering with friends, Gordon's Cafe also happens to steam the most deliciously frothy cappuccino. Served at drinking temperature, I wouldn't be surprised if you downed the cappuccino the moment the waiter set it down. Best way to wake up, ever.

Hands down, the best part about living in a bustling metropolitan city is the coffee spots. Breaking away from the mainstream coffee-chains, Beirut has some of the coolest coffee shops, perfect for studying, chilling, and sipping your favorite cappuccino.